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Washington Nationals stand behind the Syracuse Chiefs as a good baseball partner

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Washington Nationals and Syracuse Chiefs souvenirs on display in the Chiefs' merchandise store. Both teams indicate the affiliation will likely extend beyond the current deal, which runs through the 2014 season.
(Stephen D. Cannerelli | scannerelli@syracuse.com)

That was the message Wednesday from Doug Harris, director of player development for the Washington Nationals. He said the Chiefs' stumble into a deep financial abyss hasn't cast doubt about their long-term viability as an affiliate in the eyes of Washington.

At an annual shareholders meeting on Tuesday, the Chiefs' board of directors presented a report that showed the team lost $973,516 in 2013.

The Chiefs' current affiliation with Washington runs through the 2014 season. The feedback from both sides is that an extension will likely be wrapped up soon.

"We support them. We want to be there for them,'' Harris said. "Our conversations have been very strong. We believe we're heading in the right direction. Everything is very positive and (has) a lot of momentum.''

There isn't much that the Nationals can do for Syracuse financially. Unlike the arrangement between AHL and NHL teams, there is no flat affiliation fee that Triple-A baseball clubs pay to their parent teams. So Washington can't cut them a break there.

Harris said the standard Player Development Contract calls for partners to share the costs of many incidentals, such as equipment, travel and lodging. That split is set under the terms of the contract and is standard across the sport.

Without providing details, Harris said the Chiefs have paid the bills they are responsible for under the terms of the PDC.

Fiscal assistance aside, Harris promised that the organization and its minor leaguers will help the Chiefs in their improved marketing and community involvement initiatives.

"In a time of need, we are going to do everything we can to support our partner,'' Harris said. "We take a lot of pride in terms of being visible in the community. We're willing to listen to any suggestions they might have.''